What causes pelvic pain?
There are many possible causes of pelvic pain, including:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Appendicitis
- Colon problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Diverticulitis
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
Although most of the problems causing pelvic pain start in your pelvic region, that’s not always the case. An upper lumbar (upper back) disc herniation can cause serious pelvic pain that starts in your spine.
Your upper lumbar spine houses nerves that control your pelvic region, including your intestines and bladder, sexual organs, and muscles of your pelvis. If you have a disc herniation in your upper lumbar spine, the disc can put pressure on the nerves in the area and cause pelvic pain.
If you experience pelvic pain, Dr. Rodke examines your pelvis and spine to determine the cause of your discomfort so she can prescribe the best course of treatment.
How does a herniated disc trigger pelvic pain?
Herniated discs that cause pelvic pain are most often the result of wear-and-tear or repetitive movements. Other possible causes of herniated discs include:
- Trauma, such as a direct impact on your spine or a car accident
- Bending and twisting movements
- Prolonged poor posture, especially sitting for long periods
- Using your back to lift a heavy object
- Compressive forces on your spine, including running and jumping
- Coughing or sneezing
Poor posture and reduced core strength can increase your risk of developing a disc herniation. Women are more vulnerable to developing a herniated disc during pregnancy. If you’re at risk, discuss preventive options with Dr. Rodke.
How is pelvic pain treated?
Treatment of pelvic pain varies based on the cause of the pain, the severity of your symptoms, and situation. If your pelvic pain is caused by reproductive system conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy can regulate your hormones to control the tissue overgrowth at the root of your pain.
If your pelvic pain is only present during sexual intercourse, Dr. Rodke might recommend a noninvasive vaginal revitalization treatment like MonaLisa Touch®. This treatment can restore vaginal elasticity, correct vaginal atrophy, and improve natural lubrication, without medication.
For a disc herniation. Dr. Rodke can recommend anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, injection therapy, and other customized treatments. If advanced treatments, such as injections or surgery are needed for disc herniation, she provides referrals to orthopedic specialists in the area.
In the case of chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, antidepressants are often helpful, especially if you also make lifestyle adjustments like lowering your stress.
Dr. Rodke looks for the root cause of your pelvic pain so she can prescribe the most appropriate and effective treatments. She also uses the most conservative measures possible to relieve your symptoms.
Understand the root cause of your pelvic pain by setting up an exam with Dr. Rodke online or by phone now.
